Behavioral Health Integration Specialist

Description

Title: Behavioral Health Integration Specialist 

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt 

Reports to: Program Manager, Whole Person Care  

Supervises: None 

Hourly pay $35.06 with possible 6% Bilingual (English/Spanish) differential pay

Position Description:

The Behavioral Health Integration Specialist is responsible for performing Case Management/Behavioral Health coordination for individuals with complex physical, mental, and substance use needs. This individual will closely coordinate with the Ritter Center’s Behavioral Health Department to refer and establish services for clients, as well as with other behavioral health agencies. This person works with individuals to implement screenings, brief interventions, referrals, treatment planning, and coordination to integrate services for the patient while helping to move the person towards healthier functioning in all these areas. This role reports to the Whole Person Care Program Manager.  

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Communicates with individuals from a person-centered, trauma-informed care approach using motivational interviewing to evaluate, assess and determine the extent of service/support needed for each individual.
• Collaborate intensely with interdisciplinary health/behavioral care team
• Conduct field-based intake assessment, evaluating the social, emotional, and physical needs of individuals
• Manage a caseload of 14-17 individuals with identified behavioral health disparities
• Conduct mental health and substance use screenings to determine the need for further screening, brief intervention, or referral to treatment
• Respond to urgent calls, assessing for safety and providing referrals/support as indicated
• Work with patients to connect to appropriate resources and provide a menu of options including but not limited to psychiatry, therapy, SUD/MAT treatment, specialty health care, etc.
• Developing and overseeing  a care plan for each assigned individual.
• Attend clinical meetings; participate in case consultation and attend all mandatory company or department meetings
• Foster a collaborative relationship between providers, community agencies, and managed care organizations, in order to ensure patients receive timely and integrated access to services across the continuum of care
• Produce accurate and timely documentation in company database of member activities and interventions
• Continuously expand knowledge of community resources, services, and programs available to patients and build ongoing relationships with these organizations to advocate for patients
• Displays a positive, constructive, and helpful demeanor that is conducive to a safe and respectful work environment
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned and required

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• Per OSHA requirements, employment at Ritter Center requires compliance with being able to produce a negative TB test prior to the start of employment, as well as being vaccinated against COVID-19 (unless applying for an exemption) per the August 5th State Public Order for Healthcare Facilities, providers, and employees.
• 4-year degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology, or a related field.
• 2 to 3 years of experience working with underserved populations is paramount. 5 years of experience could be substituted for a college degree.
• Knowledge of local and state public health systems and local healthcare environment
• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses and treatment modalities  that are relevant to the chronically homeless population
• Knowledge of screening tools and brief intervention techniques
• Skilled in ability to utilize Motivational Interviewing Techniques
• Skilled in excellent leadership, organizational, written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills. Excellent presentation skills
• Ability to relate to people like and different from self and provide behavioral health services to a wide and diverse spectrum of ages, life stages, socioeconomic classes, and cultural identities
• Ability to operate from a client-centered approach; advocating, empowering, and educating the client, maintaining professionalism, compassion, and support of the client at all times
• Skilled in maintaining flexibility and emotional stability while working under intense emotion, time, and volume pressure
• Computer and internet literate; Microsoft Office competency required
• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology strongly preferred. Eligible to register with BBS also preferred. 
• Must possess a valid California class C driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record
• Familiarity with the unhoused, formerly unhoused, or low-income population
• Experience working with underserved populations is paramount and could supersede professional licensure.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

•  Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology strongly preferred. Eligible to register with Board of Behavioral Sciences also preferred. 
• Bilingual verbal fluency in English/Spanish desired but not required 

Employment Practices:

Ritter Center is an Equal Opportunity institution and does not discriminate against any person in employment or in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs and benefits on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.